Fallasburg Park in Lowell - photo from Sandy DeVries
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Trees are already starting to show a hint of color, but the summer drought will impact Michigan's fall foliage.
"A great example of a tree had trouble this year is the Cottonwood. [The] whole family had problems with diseases as well as summer stress," says Michigan State University Extension Horticultural Educator, Rebecca Finneran.
Finneran says the drought has taken a big toll on trees across the state, and while the pigment is already in place, the leaves may not stay on the trees as long.
"For isolated pockets in Michigan we really [have] a moisture deficit. A moisture stressed plant could defoliate early, you might not have as much color, or turn earlier than usual," she says.
Trees in dry, sandy soil will likely lose their leaves first. The yellow Poplar leaves and red Maple leaves will probably be some of the first to drop off the trees. However, Finneran says White Oaks, which show their colors late in fall, are much heartier and will last the season.
Experts at the MSU Extension say overall the leaves will still look bright and beautiful this season, with early defoliation in patchy areas.
For updates on the fall color forecast, visit the Pure Michigan website.